Spare-tire support



BY A TTORNEY July 21, 1925.

J BINDON SPARE TIRE SUPPORT Filed May a, 1924 Patented July 21, 1925.

' JAMES BINDON, 0F NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.

SPARE-TIRE SUPPORT.

Application filed May 8,

To a]! who-m it army concern:

1 lrnown that I, JAMES BINDON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Newport. in the county of Newport, State of Rhode Island,

have invented certain new end useful Improvements in Spare-Tire Sumner-ts; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact dcscription of the invention such as will nalole others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to spare tire sup ports and more particularly to that type of spare tire support which is used for the purpose of fixing the rim of one spare tire to that of another, whereby any additional support for the second tire is rendered unnece; ry. I

My invention is particularly useful in commotion with the relatively new type of tire rim whichis provided with a plurality cl lugs projecting radially toward the cent r or axis of thev rim. These lugs, two or three of which are spot welded or otherwise fixed to the inner face of the rim are atiw-d along one edge of the rim only and as a means for securing this edge of firmly to the vehicle wheel. 'lhcse which are secured to the uhecl by means of stud bolts, take the'place of the loose lugs or clamps which were formerly used; and it has been toundthat thelugs fixed to the tire rim are a much more satis factory means of securing the rim to the wheel than the loose lugs or clamps heretofore employed.

the usual practice to provide an automobile with :1 support, either secured to ack of the car or mounted on me of Liv running boards, adapted to hold a Sl[l pirs are tire. Whenever it becomes necesto carry a second spai'e tire an additional tire support must be provided. The expense and delay incident to having a second complete tire support constructed and secured 'to the hutomobile are very considcruhle and invariably present an 1.1iulesirable problem. In order to avoid this condition l have devised a simple and inexpensive means for securing a second spare tire lo the rim of the spare tire for which a reinmlcio support usually provided, and in lhis way avoid the necessity of constructinfg a second self sustaining support for the additional tire.

My improved the support is adapted to 1924. Serial No. 711,780.

cooperate. with the lugs provided on the newer type of tire rims above described so asto secure two rims together. In general this is accomplished by clamping the lugs on one rim to several spacing members which are in turn clamped to the lugs on the other rim.

- My invention includes a number of improvements whereby the tire support is rendered very etlicient and reliable; and it can be made to include a simple and inexpensive means for safely locking the additionel. spare tire so as to prevent theft of this tire. .The various objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent upon considering following detailed description which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingsin which,

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary elevation, partly in section, of the rear portion of an automobile showing the improved spare tire support applied thereto.

Fig. 2 an elevation of a tire rim having the improved support applied thereto. .Fi-g. 3 is an enlarged View of the improved spare tiresupport showing the construction thereof.

Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged sectional views of the nuts forming part of the improved support,

Fig. 6 is an end view of the supporting member shown in Fig. 3.

' Fig. 7 is an end view of the shank portion of the nut shown in Fig. 4.

.Fig. 8 is an end view of the head of the nut shown in Fig. 5.

Fig 9, is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the type of rim shown in Figures l and 2.

As mentioned above, Figure 1 shows the rear porti n of an automobile having an ordinary spnre tire support, lsecurcd to the vehicle- This tire support is ordinarily secured to the back of the vehicle although it is sometimes placed on one of the running boards or near one of the front fenders. The particular support shown in l igure 1 comprises a bottom portion adapted to fit around the bottom of the tire and an upper portion carrying a stra) 2 which may be secured around the tire so as to hold'the tire firmly in position in its support. \Vhile l have shown this particular form of spare tire support, yet it will be understood that my invention can be employed in connection with any type of tire support adapted threaded studs to carry one or more tires. The tire indicated at 3 in Figure 1 may be chained or otherwise held in position in the usual manner so as to prevent theft of the tire, or reliance can be placed upon locking means hereinafter described in connection with my improved support.

By referring to Figures 1, 2 and 9 it will be noticed that the rim 4 is of the modern type having a. plurality of lugs 5 thereon. These lugs are secured to the rim in any ordinary manner as by spot welding or brazing. The portion of the lug which is fixed to the rim is usuallytapercd, as shown in Figure 9, so as to facilitate the application of the rim to the wheel of the vehicle. Each of the lugs 5 is provided with a hole therein so that the lugs and consegquently the rim can be secured in place on t c wheel by inserting stud bolts 6 through the holes in the lugs and tightening the bolts.

I have found that these 111 's 5 on the modern. type of rim just described can be used to advantage a means for supportingan extra spare tire. The means which I use to bring about this result is best shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. In general this means includes a spacing member shown in Fig ures 3 and 6, comprising a central cylindrical portion 7 having threaded studs 8 and 9 at each end thereof and integral therewith. I prefer to flatten at least two sides of the cylindrical central portion 7 as shown at 10 so as to make it possible to grip this portion with an ordinary wrench. I also prefer to make this spacing member out of a single piece of steel, but it is of course, possible to vary this construction to the extentof using a central cylindrical portion separate from the threaded portions. The nuts shown in figures t and 5 are provided for the threaded studs 8 and 9 of the spacing members. These nuts serve as a means for clamping the spacing member to the perforated lugs carried by the tire rims.

The method of applying my improved tire support can be best understood by referring to Figure 1 The spacing member 18 brought into such a position that one of the 8 and 9 projects through the opening in one of the lugso on the rim 3 of the tire carried in the support 1. One of the nuts is then screwed onto the stud projectin through this lug so as to clamp the lug rmly against the end of the enlarged central portion 7 of the spacing memher. It is, of course, evident that the spacing member can be applied to the inner rim 3' before this rim is mounted in the support 1. It will also be understood that a spacing member is provided for each of the lugs on the rim 3, the several spacing members being secured to these lugs in the mtnner just described.

The rims shown in Figures 1 and 2 are each provided with ingly after three of the spacing members have been applied to the rim 3 in the man nor just described, the second tirell is lifted into position so that the lugs carried by the rim ll fit over the projecting ends of the spacing members. It will be noticed that the lugs 5 on each rim are provided along one edge thereof only and that the rims 3 and 11 are so placed that the edges of these rims which carry the lugs 5 are opposite" each other. The operation of securing the second rim in position is completed by applying the second nut to each of the projecting ends of the spacing members 7 so as to clamp the lugs 5 on the rim 11' against the corresponding ends of the central enlarged portions of the spacing members. When the three nuts have been up lied to the outer ends of tlle' spacing mern ers, the additional tire 11 is firmly fixed to the rim 3' and hence to the vehicle. The spacing mem bers, by virtue of which the second tire is held in position, serve as a means for hold ing the two tires at just the proper distance apart to prevent them from chafing.

Upon considering the forces developed in the improved tire support when it is in use, I

it is apparent that the maximum stress comes at the point where the lugs 5 on the rims 3 and 11 engage the spacing members. It is because of this fact struct each of the spacing members, out of a. :single piece of metal; and in order to further guard againcbreakage, I prefer to three lugs and accordthat I prefer to com leave a portion of each of the studs 8 and 9 unthreaded, this portion being that adjacent to the central c lindrical portion of the spacing member as shown at 12 and 13. Alb other means for increasing the strength of the device at these critical points comprises the construction of the ends of'the shank portion 14 and 15 of the nuts shown in Fig tires 4 and 5. By referring to these figures it will-be noticed that the inner faces of the ends of the shank portions 14 and 15 are hollowed out to form cylindrical surfaces of' somewhat greater diameter than that of the threaded portion. This leaves a small clearance between the ends ofthe shanks .14 and 15 and the portions 12 and 13 (if the span ing member, or between the surfaces 19 and the threads on the studs 8 and 9, as the case maybe. i

In order to prevent the nuts from working loose I refer to rovide a plurality of notches in tie ends 0 i the shanks 14 and 15. as best shown in Figuresl and 5. By providing these saw cuts or notches, a number of sharp corners are formed which are forced into the metal of the lugs 5 on the rims 3 and 11". I have found that this is a ver effective means for preventing the nuts rom working loose.

18 and I have provided a simple and effective means for locking the second tire rim to the first rim. This means comprises an ordinary padlock 20, shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shank of which is adapted to pass through. a transverse opening 21 in the head 17 of one of the nuts. I prefer to construct the nuts so that the openings 21 in the heads thereof are located at such a point that the distance between these openings and the ends of the clamps is greater than the length of the studs and i), so that, the padlock does not come into contact with the ends of the studs F and t). hen this construction is used, the padlock does not prevent turnin of the nuthy virtue of any cooperation hctwccn the lock and the studs and 1); this result is cfl'ected by virtue of the cooperattion between the lock and the. rim proper as is evident upon considering Figure 1. When the nuts are tightened the heads of the nuts are located at a considerable distance in from the edges of the rims and when the padlock is applied the nuts cannot he turned hecause the padlock comes into contact with the rim and prevents this turning movement.

If it is so desired, both of the nuts emplovrd on one of the spacing members can he provided with openings 21 therein as shown in Figure. l. for example. so that a padlock can he applied to each of these, nuts. )rdinarily it will he found that, the load; on one oi them will prevent theft of the tires inasmuch as it is comparatively diiiicult to remove the inner nut.

It the tire it is not locked to the automobile in an manner it may he desirable to provide a hain sccul'ed to the tire support 1 and passing: through the padlock .20 as indicated in Figure 1. This prevents the rcmoval of hoth tircs as a unit. It will be understood that it is not necessary to provide a padlock on more than one of the spacing nu-mhers and thcrct'orc not more than one or two of the mils need he provided with the. trans verso openings '21 through which the shaft of the padlock passes.

\l'hero the nuts for the spacing member are not. provided with the transverse openings :21, I prefer to make a, small longitudinal opening .22 in the head of each nut o permit tho escape of grease Before these nuts are screwed into position a small quantity of grease can he inserted into the inside and when the nuts are screwed on any excess grease is expelled through the openings This excess grcase can he wiped off and the grease remaining within the openings 22 seals the ends of the nuts and protects the nuts and the studs 8 and 9 against rusting.

It is to he understood that the various details of construction of my improved tire support can he modified without departing from the spirit of i y invention which is not limited to the particular embodimentillustrated and descrihvxi. hut inciudes such moditiv'zationsthereof as fall within the scope of the appended laims. Furthermore, it is evident, that my i vt-d tire support can he used in comm a support lived to the motor vehi le insteit in commotion with a rim carried h) a ,ipport at: rhed to the vehicle and ti Mor in iui'ention not limited in this rcspet I claim:

1 In a device of tar. type dcscrihed. the combination of a support. means for tiri g said support to a motor vehicl a span llltliilfKl. means tor tix' said niemher said support, a tire rim um mg a perforated lug thereon. said member hei .g: adapted to project through the in; on said rim. and means for fixing said, member and the i r on the said rim to ctlicr uhcz. is secured to the re -lo.

2. In a dcvire of me type d; combination of a tire. rim ing a lag thereon. means for tit lug said .im to a motor vehicle. a one piece spaoing nzranhrr, means for fixing said nit-miter to the his on said rim, a second 1' o rim having a. perforated lug thereon, said member lining; adapicd to pro ect through the rug on d second rim. and means for fixing ta ii memher and the lug on said second rini together, hereby the second rin; is secured to the vehicle.

Ii. In a device of the type ties. eat. the coinhination oi a tire rim having a per-- tor-ated lug thereon. means for sccuring said rim to a motor vehicle. a one piece spacim: member having a shoulder and a portion adaptcd to pr ject through the perf rated in; on said rim until (in shoulder cn .gcs the lug. moans or fixing said mcmhcr to said lug. a second tire rim having; a per i'oratcd lu thereon adapted to he tit ed over one cud of said spur-inn niemiwr. and means for fixing said llitllEliil and thc hug on, 1 second rim together. i i rii the, is sernrcd to the vein:

*iij c-d. the

4l in a devi e of the 2;.po de 5 ii, mnihination of a tire riin having: portoratcd lug thcrcon. means for sccui said rim to a motor which. a st ring nicnihcr of which is having th eadcd rt; said 4: mmsozs formed lug: than rim to a motor u l'ik'. i having fiiroiuimi vim one o 011 to project through tho moans for fixing i the lug on said rim. ing a perforziivd i, fittPd over the o? and a nut adopt in last mentioned m2! oi ing said mmnber and toe iii rim togvthP-r \\'ill0i y th s cured to thr- Viiliiiif; and i A a mo with tiu- Said not Ami flog sm'omi r looking this out.

(i. In a dcvire o combination of a forated lug thorvon rim to a motor mi; having threaded om 1" to (imam :1

r 4 v-oi'ri-sgu, i of (be coniii or member, the uni. having; u means; tho-won for grip ping the his; on he ire rim $0 as to prernt, 1.1m iiifli from Working loose? '11. A smpport for :1 tire rimhaving ruadaptd to project iiliwa i Ginny t iojwjting pvirforutmi h1g5 flwroon, rim, means for fixing :ms; 01: roinpr slug ,1 straight oyhndrxciii paving I bro rim member having inm "a! flireadvd ends of having a perforated log i: o 41 1i a l siniaiiizz :iizmwtcr than tho ca ms-iii portion ed to be fitted over Hm who? mid of said of saiii member. moans" forc-Lw o one and member, a nutaiiapfui in M: sumwed onto of said central rfioii to u I wt, a nut said last mentionwi rod of {i i moniker for adapted 1o (3on5; til the orhc-r end of fixing said nien'ibw iii" i g on 11 Zire rim 0nd rim toge iwr mid of 11: ransecured to tho w? 3 mo, how '24, threaded k 1.1; l to: head opening formvil to to he axis of said of, and means irxto' ipilrzd in extend ing and cooperafm z d mi and coupfor locking); Siiih in prrwnt the T. In it dunno combination of 1 5 thvroon, 21293125 for a motor Whivii; :1 s for fixing said :nmniier in the support. a. tire rim Zoning her to the lug on said L1H? radi- 1 eon, comg: moor i7 s of snmiiez' voritrai portion of said be! ha ing: U5 diameter than thereon and adapt-m5 in in: mcmbor. iilffifiz' clamping one and of end of said Eli-121?; umm, Siiiti :1 nmmm in zpport. a nut Mimi and of u (ETC rim aomiiug 5-" robot, i

radially pm; comprising 21 v im r mt From Working ion-s 5.

A support for a fir-3 im having radigrojerting mrforatoai h1g5v thereon, aiglit cylindrical spacing imegmi. iiircmioii ends; of 1 than the mm-21, portion sawing for slumping one and Ya; pinion to H. mm art, a nut mopvruix: with the er 3nd of in dump. a "'1 on a tire rim 2 2%: ventral not having of whereby "the i witii which it integral flmliwwiiii, m opsaid member. to 11 1 fixing the other PIN} o cm'rivd by tin:

5). A suppori. radially proje comprising a. g tral cylindriiai poi ends of smaii r portion, Yo-m5 threaded and of s the cyiindricui and means 4 vermin; i

as in from working loose. the notched end of the nut having a cylindrical inner surface of greater diameter than the threaded portion of the nut.

14. A support for spare tire rims having radially extending lugs. comprising a spacing member of relatively large diameter, a threaded member of relatively small diainotor integral with said member of relatively large diameter and threaded means for clam ing said spacer member to a support and or clam ing a lug on a. tire rim to said sparing mem r. the said parts being ron structed so that the spacing member (-an be secured to a support by turning the spacing member and holding the threaded means stationary.'

15. A device of the type described. (omprisin the combination of a support having a filg thereon, means for fixing said support to a. motor vehirle, a spacing memhrr, means for fixing said momlwr to the lug: on said support, a tire rim having; a porforatvd lug thereon adapted to ho iittod ovrr ono end of said memher, means for living mid nir-nr her and the lug on said rim together whereby the rim is secured to the vehicle and a means for locking the means for fixing said momher and the lug on the said rim together, and for looking the means for fixing! said support to the vehicle.

16. A support for a tire rim. int-hiding a spacing member having a threaded stud thereon. and a nut for said stud. for t-lamping the sparing member to the rim. said nut havin, an opening in the head thereof for permittin; the esrapo of grease.

17. A support for tire rims having radially extending ])t'lf0ltt,t(tl lugs thereon, comprising a sparing: member having a t'tllll'ill cvlindrioal portion of relatively large diametor and having a threaded stud at earh end thereof and integral thormvith. the said studs having a relatively small diameter, a not for eat-h of said studs adapted to damp a lug on a tire rim against the (OXIPSPOIlding end of the ventral rylindriral portion of said sparing: member, the said central cylindrical portion having at least two sides thereof cut away to form plain surfaces adapted to ho engaged by a \vrenrh.

in testimony whereof I atlix my signature.

. JAMES BIXDON. 

